Laser-Induced Reconfiguration of Magnetic Domain Structure in Iron Garnet Films with Strong In-Plane Anisotropy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Magnetism

Background:

• Bismuth-substituted iron garnet films exhibit stripe magnetic domain structures.
• Controlling magnetic domain behavior is crucial for data storage and spintronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate laser-driven reconfiguration of stripe domains in a specific iron garnet film.
• To understand the mechanisms and parameters influencing laser-induced domain dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized laser irradiation on a (210) crystallographic orientation bismuth-substituted iron garnet film.
• Applied weak in-plane external magnetic fields and varied laser intensity and polarization.
• Developed an analytical model based on local effective anisotropy reduction.

Main Results:

• Laser irradiation induced local "twisting" of magnetic domains, with rotation angle dependent on magnetic field and laser intensity.
• The effect was found to be reversible and independent of light polarization.
• Irreversible modifications, including domain topology shifts and pinning, were observed with beam movement.
• The analytical model accurately described domain rotation and trajectories, confirming a thermal origin.

Conclusions:

• Laser-induced domain reconfiguration in these films is primarily a thermal effect.
• The study provides insights into controlling magnetic domain structures using light and magnetic fields.
• Potential for applications in magnetic memory and information processing devices.